By: Sarah Chaisson-Warner
A lot of writers dream of directing their own film – after all, who knows your script and vision for it better than you? Being a director – whether it’s for a feature, TV series, or a short film – can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging all at the same time.
Whether you’re new to directing or have a few films under your belt, here we break down six things no one tells you about directing.
(1) THE BULK OF DIRECTING OCCURS DURING PRE-PRODUCTION
When most people think of directing, they think of the person sitting in the chair behind the camera watching the scene play out, yelling “cut!” and offering direction to the actors and crew.
But that’s just a piece of the whole job – most of the director’s job happens during pre-production! Directors make critical decisions during pre-production, including casting, locations, art direction, and more – all of which have a significant impact on the final product. These decisions will follow you into production, so be sure to spend the time necessary during pre-production to do solid storyboarding, find the right actors, familiarize yourself with your locations, and more.
(2) FOLLOW THE RULE OF THREE WHEN SCOUTING LOCATIONS
Even if you’re working with a location scout, it’s essential to scout the locations as well – it’s actually common practice. At the minimum, the Director, Assistant Director, Director of Photography, and Grips should visit the shooting locations in advance.
Consider the “Rule of Three” when scouting locations – The Look, The Logistics, and The Liability. Does the location fit your creative vision and tone for the scene(s)? Does the location offer enough space for the crew and their equipment, is it accessible, and does it meet audio and lighting needs? And will the location require extra insurance, a permit, or create a potential legal liability? If your film is fully financed, The Logistics and The Liability are likely not of concern to you, but if you’re directing a low-budget project, all three should be at the top of your list.
(3) THE EASIEST SCENES SHOULD BE SHOT FIRST
As you look at your shooting schedule, if possible, shoot your easiest scenes first. Doing so allows you the opportunity to work out any production or equipment kinks with your crew in a lower-intensity and lower-stakes environment than if you were shooting your most difficult, most expensive scenes. It also gives you the opportunity to help build a work flow with your team and strengthen the professional bonds necessary to make the film a success during the production phase.
(4) YOU’RE NOT JUST A CREATIVE, YOU’RE A MANAGER
Your creative vision as a director is central to the success of the film. But sometimes writers who have dreams of directing forget, or don’t realize, that the director also manages the team! As the Director, it’s your responsibility to set the tone and expectations for your team and to clearly communicate your vision to the actors and crew through the various stages of production.
If you have limited supervisory experience, it might be worthwhile to take a few management courses to help you learn how to effectively manage people, particularly while on-set. Learning how to delegate, how to give feedback appropriately, and how to successfully manage conflict are all important skills for any director to have.
(5) GOOD DIRECTORS KNOW THEIR CREW’S JOBS TOO
Seasoned directors know how valuable it is to have functional knowledge of the other key roles on your crew. Think of the production as an orchestra – you don’t have to be able to play each instrument to be the conductor, but you should have an understanding of the main functions of each one and how they best work.
Whether it’s joining the Director of Photography to better understand visual storytelling, stepping into the shoes of a Production Assistant, or getting to know the ins and outs of being a Key Grip, each role plays a critical part in the creation of the film. Understanding how long it might take to change the lighting on the set or knowing department-specific lingo can all help empower you to make more informed decisions and better manage your team towards success.
(6) A GREAT LINE PRODUCER IS WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD
Line Producers are often the unsung heroes of film and TV – behind every great Director is often a Line Producer who helps them translate their vision for the production into reality. Line Producers create and oversee the budget, manage the production’s schedule, and other key logistical pieces that help the production stay on track.
Having a solid Line Producer can help to take a lot of things off your plate as a Director, allowing you to focus on the most critical parts of your job – demonstrating your artistic vision and managing your crew towards success.
LEARN MORE
Many screenwriters dream of directing, but few have the opportunity to learn how from established directors and other industry leaders. Our Script to Screen program gives you that blueprint – a week by week, step by step program led by Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmakers.
Over 9 weeks, you can learn how to direct, frame shots, guide actors, and shape cinematic storytelling. As a part of a collaborative community of peers and mentors, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical filmmaking skills and take charge of your career.
To apply, submit the first pages of the screenplay that best shows your talent. (It must be between 5 and 20 pages in length.) Features, TV Pilots and Shorts are accepted.
Writers who are shortlisted as Quarter-Finalists will then be able to upload full length scripts and/or additional material that will be reviewed (at no extra cost). 8 winning writers will be chosen to participate. 10 finalists will be invited to mixers and networking events.
Want to learn more about this exciting opportunity? Click here!
